Winter - Kinkaku-ji Temple

How is Kinkakuji Temple in Winter?

If you’re visiting Kyoto in winter, don’t despair – the Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Golden Pavilion are open throughout the year, irrespective of the weather!

And what’s more, the visit in winter may actually offer more unforgettable memories than the peak season, which tends to be when the cherry blossoms are blooming.

🚌 Explore Kyoto’s Iconic Landmarks in a Day! Join the PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour to visit must-see sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple and more. This comprehensive tour is ideal for travelers with limited time.

Not only are the crowds much less, the Kinkaku-ji Temple and surroundings look almost ethereal after a fresh snowfall, so much so that you may actually look forward to a fresh snow forecast the night before you head there.

Planning a trip to Kinkaku-ji Temple and the Golden Pavilion? Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple website for the complete rundown on every single detail!

And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Best Things to Do in Japan at a Glance

Place Activities & Best Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)
Tokyo Mt Fuji & Hakone, Tokyo highlights, Go-Kart, bar-hopping, sushi-making, local food tour, sumo
Kyoto Kyoto highlights, Fushimi Inari hike, local food tour, ramen cooking, samurai, kimono tea ceremony, sake tasting, Nara highlights
Osaka Osaka castle, Go Kart, street food, sushi making, Nara highlights, Kyoto highlights
Hiroshima Highlights, bar & food tour

Place	Activities & Best Tours (Reserve early, these sell out fast!)
Tokyo	Mt Fuji & Hakone, Tokyo highlights, Go-Kart, bar-hopping, sushi-making, local food tour, sumo
Kyoto	Kyoto highlights, Fushimi Inari hike, local food tour, ramen cooking, samurai, kimono tea ceremony, sake tasting, Nara highlights
Osaka	Osaka castle, Go Kart, street food, sushi making, Nara highlights, Kyoto highlights
Hiroshima	Highlights, bar & food tour

Make sure you enter as close to opening hours as possible, to experience the delight of virgin snow all around you in picturesque settings of the golden temple, gardens and ponds!

Kinkakuji Temple in winter with the Golden Pavilion surroundings blanketed in snow

🦌 Visit Nara’s Historic Sites and Friendly Deer! Explore beyond Kyoto with the World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience. This full-day tour includes visits to Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and a matcha tea experience in Uji.

The snow-capped roof and icy Mirror Pond create stunning reflection effects that travel photographers will love!

Dress warmly and in layers as you can expect the weather to be chilly and be sure to stop at the temple’s tea house, Sekkatei, for some warm matcha tea!